Bows & Buttons: Mommy Mondays: Layering Jewellery (Part I: Bracelets)

As busy mamas we often have .002 nanseconds to primp, polish and pick a killer outfit before tending to our wee ones. That is why we often rely on our go-to outfits. You know the ones...good ol' reliable: simple, comfy, and effortlessly stylish. Often they are supremely simple in form: a dark pair of skinny jeans, a white jersey tunic, and--if you are so inclined--a pair of shy high platform pumps--otherwise black leather French Sole ballet flats. We know these outfits look and feel great. But how to take said stylish ensemble to the next level of style. Enter accessories, or as stylist Rachel Zoe calls them "excess-ories". Fabulous baubles intended to really make a simple outfit pop. One trend B&B has been noticing lately is the layering of bracelets, necklaces & rings. The brilliance lies in the unique way each stylephile layers her jewels to express her own sense of sartorial self. The next three Mondays we will look at a different way to layer your accessories. First stop on our jewellery jaunt: bracelets.

There is something about a stack of carefully chosen bracelets that is so suprememly elegant. They accentuate the smalles part of your arm--the wrist. make a soft jangling sound when you speak, and are perfect for layering a multitude of different metals, textures, sizes and colours. There are plenty to choose from ranging from silver to gold, from beads to braids to chains...some of the best incorporate more than one element. Don't be afraid to mix and match metals, long gone are the days when pairing gold with silver was taboo. In fact many of the most styish combos are a mixture of the too. Add braided and beaded for a boho feel, chain links for a dose of luxe and rose gold for an antique-y feel. Don's forget to add pops of colour. Especially popular are gold pieces with black geometric shapes or coral and turquoise stones.

Creating a stack of bracelets incorporating both high and low end pieces is a stroke of genius. Luxe brands such as Cartier, Tiffany's, Pandora, and Tacori can be thrown on with more inexpensive pieces from such retailers such as Forever 21, Fantasy Jewellery Box, and House of Harlow 1960. Choosing pieces from all ends of the spectrum and pairing them in new and unusual ways is what makes your stack unique to your style. Don't forget to mix your stack with a fabulous watch--gold and rose gold watches are especially popular these days.

We have spotted a ton of celebs sporting a wristful of jewels. For glamourous nighttime events celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez have upped the glam factor by finishing off their fabulous frocks with aslew of glam rhinestone and chainlink bracelets. Blake Lively shakes things up a bit by alternating between ultra-glam bracelets and turquoise round bracelets for an extra punch of colour. Or take a cue from Heide Klum who mixes brushed silver with neon string friendship bracelets (very big right now) for a very earthy, boho feel. Either way, the key is to experiment and let your personal style shine through. And if all else fails, let your two year olds creativity be your accessory guide!

Wanting some baubly-y brilliance for your wrist? Take a look at the different looks we are seriously loving right now. Whether you are a silver girl or a gold girl, like it ultra luxe or more down to earth; studded, chained, braided or beaded, there is something for every palette! Click on the lin k to shop the look!